School of Arts and Sciences

Education Success Stories

Meet our Education Alumni and Students

In the profiles below, meet undergraduate and graduate alumni and students from Point Park University's various education programs. These alumni and students talk about why they chose Point Park University and how earning or pursuing a degree is helping them reach their career goals.

Undergraduate

"My elementary education degree from Point Park University gave me the foundation for a wonderful career in education.""The applicable lessons I learned as a student at Point Park contributed to my future success in education as a teacher’s aide, a teacher, a principal and eventually, an administrator for the second largest school district in Pennsylvania. I am grateful for the education faculty as they were influential in my studies and dedicated to my success as a student."

"I chose Point Park for both the academic and athletic programs, the urban campus which guarantees endless possibilities, the intimate classroom settings and the University's overall welcoming environment.""My education classes at Point Park gave me many experiences getting in front of a room of people to present or educate. I have far more confidence now than I did when I entered college. My business classes have given me a better understanding of the corporate and financial world, its elements and how I can push myself as well as my practice, to the next level."

"The education professors at Point Park really practice what they preach, so to speak. Last spring I had the opportunity to take educational psychology with Dr. Eric Stennett. He really opened my eyes to the cognitive research behind teaching techniques.""I am not absolutely certain where I would like to teach but I am open to moving around the country. A part of me feels very strongly about supporting the public school system. However, I am also investigating different private school teaching opportunities as well."

B.A. in Elementary Education, 2008Sixth Grade English Teacher, Somerset Area School District

"I truly enjoyed being a teaching assistant for Dr. Darlene Marnich’s University Experience class. I learned so much from her teaching techniques, and the opportunities she provided for me were extremely beneficial as a classroom teacher.""I thoroughly loved my time as a Point Park University student. I learned so much from my professors, and all of the experiences I had helped shape me into the person and teacher I am today."

"Point Park’s education professors really care about their students. Because the class sizes are smaller, they get to know you on a personal level and are there to help you out."

"Also, the professors put a lot of time into their students and their lessons. Their teaching plans were laid out thoughtfully, which turned out to be very helpful when you were ready to begin student teaching and pursuing a full-time teaching position."

"My teaching career has been fast tracked largely because of the quality of the education program at Point Park University. The nature of my student teaching evaluations at Point Park gave me an edge over other first-year teachers and ultimately, led to the unlikely promotions and success of my first year.""Not many people can hit the ground running on their first day in the real world. Point Park made sure I was ready to do so."

"I love everything about broadcasting and video production but what I love more is being able to teach those skills to kids. In doing so, i have the best of both worlds and gain so much fullfillment in working with kids every day.""I did my student teaching at Franklin Regional High School under Mrs. Becky Magness and had an incredible experience with the district and the kids. I learned so much there on how to teach lessons in my concentration and what it means to be a true educator."

B.A. in Secondary Education/English, 2010English Teacher, Central Catholic High School

"My favorite experience as an education student at Point Park was student teaching. I was paired with the best supervisor ever to grace the halls of Point Park University, Mr. Feinert. Mr. Feinert taught me two of the most important lessons all educators must learn. First, how to properly write on a chalkboard; and second, to always have a sense of humor.""Without the guidance of my student teaching supervisor and the support from the education professors, I would have never achieved the level of excellence needed to be a part of Central Catholic High School."

B.A. in Secondary Education/English, 2008English Teacher and Forensics Coach, Oakland Catholic High School

"I liked the environment of the campus. As a commuter student, I felt that the campus was easy to get to and offered a wide variety of opportunities and activities for all students. Additionally, the class sizes were just the right size — I liked being able to establish relationships with my fellow classmates and the feeling of camaraderie we shared within our classes with our professors."

"Trust in your skills — Point Park University does a wonderful job of preparing a student to teach, but the power to inspire, encourage and engage every student in your classroom is in your hands!"

"Whether I was playing baseball or learning in the classroom, I will never forget the awesome personal relationships I formed at Point Park. The faculty treated you like a real person and always had your back. I’m not sure I would have had that kind of experience at a bigger school."

"Growing up in a rural town in Pennsylvania, I wanted to find an urban campus that offered access to successful professionals from the education field. When I visited Point Park for an open house, I fell in love with it because it is in the center of the city. My parents said, 'We can see you here.'"

"When I received an envelope in the mail with Point Park's letterhead on it, my emotions were overwhelming. I was accepted as a presidential scholar and on my way to my dream of becoming a teacher."

B.S. in Secondary Education Mathematics, 2012Mathematics Teacher, Crestview High School

"I have always found joy in helping others and math has been a passion of mine since the third grade. I have made it a goal to make a positive impact on the lives of others, whether it is through mentoring people or striving to instill in them a love for mathematics. A career in education allows me to reach both aspects of that goal."

"Point Park offered small classes and opportunity. After receiving the Presidential Scholarship, it was clear that I was meant to be at Point Park."

Pursuing B.A. in Instructional StudiesTeacher's Aide, Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf

"I liked that Point Park is a private university with a small student-to-faculty ratio and that all of my credits from the Community College of Allegheny County were accepted. It’s been a learning experience for me but I am definitely becoming a city girl."

B.A. in English and Secondary Education, 2001English Teacher, South Fayette High School

"Personally, I loved the idea that I could be close enough to my home that I could go there if I needed, but I was far enough away that I could live in the dorms and begin to grow as an individual. On top of that, I could live in Downtown Pittsburgh — Point Park was too good to pass up!"

"The education program was excellent; I had a wide array of classes that focused on both the theory and practicality of teaching, and my professors were so diverse that I was able to begin to see my future career from many different angles and consider what it truly meant to be a teacher."

B.A. in Elementary Education, 2012Kindergarten Teacher, West Elementary School in Arcadia, Fla.

"Nothing can prepare you for the 'real world' completely but Point Park did a great job of giving me an educational background that made me feel confident about my level of knowledge and experience when I entered my career. The level of field experience I gained at Point Park gave me an excellent view on how various educational systems operate."

"My favorite part about teaching kindergarten is that every day is interesting and full of activity. I am always on my feet and being challenged on a daily basis. Students at this age are so eager to grow and learn and their lively spirits are contagious."

B.A. in Elementary Education, 2012Fourth Grade Teacher, West Elementary School in Arcadia, Fla.

"I liked Point Park’s small, intimate classes and the personable professors. I’m glad I stayed because I gained a lot of unique experiences at Point Park."

"Teaching is one of the most gratifying careers you can have. All the hard work you put into your lesson planning and teaching is evident when your students discover something new. An excited student is the best feeling in the world! There is nowhere else I’d rather be than in the classroom!"

"Choosing Point Park was very easy. I love being in the city. There is always something to do and always somewhere to go. As a Point Park student, I am lucky to have Pittsburgh be my campus. I am also lucky to be a part of such a great school with wonderful people."

"I knew the moment I stepped onto Point Park's campus that this school was for me. Walking into a classroom at Point Park is not intimidating. The environment is so welcoming."

B.A. in Elementary Education, 2012Third Grade Teacher, West Elementary School in Arcadia, Fla.

"I am so thankful to professors like Dr. Suzanne Miller and Dr. Christal Chaney. They both gave me a practical look into education and allowed for first-hand experiences in their classes. Their knowledge was irreplaceable and they were both great inspirations. Another fantastic component of my education was my student teaching experience."

"College was such a great experience. I’m so glad I went to Point Park. I got a practical education and had so many fantastic experiences on the way!"

Graduate

Graduate of Point Park's ABCTE program, 2015Secondary Education Biology and Chemistry Teacher, North Allegheny Intermediate High School

"The ABCTE program helped me to transition from one professional career to another and allowed me to focus on educational principles since I already had the content background."

"The Classroom Discipline course [at Point Park] was my favorite. I learned a lot from that course and received additional resources to grow my career and advance my professional development. Also, my professor in the course was very helpful and understanding of my career timeline."

"Point Park University classes have helped me question and challenge my thinking by exposing me to top-notch professors and fellow classmates who are experts in their respected fields. The classes are always thought provoking and never boring. I often leave class with ideas I can implement in my school district the very next day."

Pursuing M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Teaching and LeadershipB.A. in Secondary Education English and Special Education, 2014English/Special Education Teacher, Moon Area High School

"My sole reason for returning to Point Park, aside from the school’s reputation in the education community, was my experience during my teacher preparation program. My student teaching experience was one of the best experiences of my life! From day one, I truly felt as though I had found what it is I was supposed to do with my life — and Point Park found the best possible location for me to do that! "

"When a new teacher steps foot into his or her own classroom, they need to be prepared — and Point Park did just that for me!"

Pursuing Ed.D. in Leadership and AdministrationDean of Students and Librarian, Forest Hills School District

"Point Park designed an Ed.D. program that fits into my busy life and challenges me as a student. I was drawn to the two-year timeline, hybrid courses and the ability to teleconference from a location not far from home."

"I have taken some of the best classes of my academic career at Point Park, such as Organizational Development and Introduction to Research Writing. The faculty and staff are genuinely concerned with my success as a doctoral candidate, and they are invested in my research. "

"The main reason I chose Point Park was because that is where my assistant high school principal at Mars Area High School attended. I also liked that the University was located in the city and close to where I lived."

"I had a great foundation set for me from my experience at Point Park. The faculty at Point Park gave really good advice and expertise on what I should expect as a school administrator."

Pursuing Ed.D. in Leadership and AdministrationPresident and CEO, Hill House Association and Hill House Economic Development Corporation

"When I was interviewing for the Ed.D. program, I was really impressed with the faculty. I saw that Point Park was progressive and a university in which I would be proud to be affiliated with."

"Initially, there was some trepidation coming into the program. I had not been in school since 1999 so I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to “get back on that horse” easily. However, meeting my cohort group was a very positive experience. We bonded very quickly and this has been essential to my success so far."

M.A. in Secondary Education English, 2014High School Generalist Teacher, Lower Kuskokwim School District

"I chose Point Park as an undergraduate student for its generous scholarships, campus location in the heart of Downtown Pittsburgh and intimate class settings. The quality of the education I received brought me back for more as a graduate student looking to make myself more marketable."

"Every department at Point Park has leaders in their respective fields who have given me the knowledge and skills I needed to meet the diverse needs of my students."

"I really enjoyed earning my bachelor’s degree at Point Park. Plus, I heard the University offered great master’s programs so I figured it made sense to continue on here. I passed my principal boards this past spring and feel that Point Park really prepared me for the test. 'The Principalship' class I took was especially helpful. It went over everything you need to be an effective leader in a school."

"The education professors are good people with strong backgrounds in the education field. They are so helpful with networking and are very supportive, flexible and inspiring toward students."

"What is truly beautiful about Point Park University’s education department is the viewpoint that current and future educators should respect and honor their students as individuals. I have observed the power of strong teacher-to-student interactions and how it creates successful cognitive learning."

"I hope to continue my development of innovative ways to communicate with students, parents and administrators as well as navigate the challenges of working in a public school throughout my pursuit of a master’s degree at Point Park."

"I chose Point Park for graduate school based on my positive experiences in the undergraduate program and for the small class sizes. A small classroom environment is where I learn best."

"My ultimate career goal is to become an administrator at some level. I’d like to be involved in the decision-making processes for classrooms using my experience as a guide. Long term, I'm also considering earning a doctorate degree in education."

"The rigor of my bachelor’s experience and relevance to 21st century teaching brought me immediately back for my master’s degree."

"Point Park’s education professors are skilled, knowledgeable, experienced, amiable and extremely responsive to student needs. They know what skills are necessary for 21st century educators and mold each student individually to ensure they have attained those skills."

"I chose Point Park for its reputation. As I was considering options, I learned that there were successful former Pittsburgh Public Schools administrators on faculty at Point Park. Additionally, I knew students who were enrolled at Point Park. They spoke with me regarding the rigor of the program and the quality of professors."

"I would describe Point Park’s education professors as experienced. There is so much talent and knowledge on staff. The professors all have intimate knowledge of the necessary qualities to prepare future administrators. The department is extremely responsive to student needs and provided me with real-world experiences which sculpted my ability to effectively lead a school."

M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction, 2010Instructor of early childhood education, Community College of Allegheny County

"The curriculum and instruction program made me a better teacher. The professors were really nice and I loved the classes. Dr. Revilla served as a wonderful mentor to me and really helped guide me with my future goals."

“I liked the location of the campus. It was convenient for me to get there by bus.”

"I was impressed with the courses offered and the faculty in the program. All of the faculty members had practical experience working in the education field as principals, administrators, or teachers. Their teaching style is based on their real-world experiences in school districts."

"By earning a master's degree from Point Park, I was also able to obtain my curriculum and instruction certification through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This additional certification has opened doors for me that my administrative certificate alone could not."

M.Ed. in Secondary Education, 2008Seventh Grade Life Science Teacher, Carlynton Junior-Senior High School

"Ultimately, I chose Point Park for its extremely flexible schedule and very inviting faculty. When I visit Point Park, I still give my professors a hug. The personal relationships you develop with faculty at Point Park are second to none."

"Point Park’s teachings were spot on with trends in education. What I was learning at Point Park directly translated into the classroom where I was teaching. It was great to be able to implement my new skills right away."